Security tagging

The interface also offers the ability to view recorded snapshots concurrently with live video Connect ONE®, the flagship, integrated security management platform from Connected Technologies, LLC, fortifies its web-based interface with video verification, a critical component of timely law enforcement response. Connect ONE strengthens the dealer’s value proposition by providing the ability to verify intrusion at the protected premises, delivering instant video snapshots real-time to smartphones or other connected devices. Video verification from Connect ONE offers simple-to-configure rules capturing video from up to five cameras per event. It features event plus video viewing onscreen and the ability to send those images via email/text message to users or responsible parties. The interface also offers the ability to view recorded snapshots concurrently with live video, through generated reports and via email when the event occurred. Connect ONE is the only security management solution dealers need for all their customer’s integrations - security, access control, video monitoring, energy management and critical temperature monitoring. Mandated increasingly by municipalities prior to dispatch – video verification links alarm, access control or other events to cameras. Available with Connect ONE PRO, the service includes 100 video events per month and the ability to scale up as needed. Connect ONE video verification works with all compatible DVR, NVR and most IP cameras including ExacqVision/GanzVision devices. In addition, dealers get up to one year cloud storage for all events.

Through this partnership with CheckVideo, Security Partners dealers can receive Managed Services training Security Partners and CheckVideo recently announced an agreement to provide comprehensive managed video sales training programs to authorized security dealers who maintain an affiliation with Security Partners. Managed video services include Remote Video Guarding, Video Alarm Verification, Off-Site Video Data Storage, and Cloud Video Management. These features are available to the members of the Security Partner Dealer Network, with services provided from Security Partners' three monitoring centers across the country. "Managed Video is the latest RMR (recurring monthly revenue) niche service offered to our dealers," said Michael Bodnar, president of Security Partners. "It is also one of the fastest-growing segments in our industry, with the right technology in place to effectively monitor and store video from traditional and smart-analytical cameras deployed in the field." Through this partnership with CheckVideo, Security Partners dealers can receive Managed Services training for their sales personnel with a focus on product and services knowledge and tools for quoting recurring service fees to their customers. It will be especially important for dealers eager to grow their RMR outside of more traditional alarm monitoring services. "When dealers share the challenges of selling Managed Video offerings, it's usually one of three things," said Edward Troha, marketing director for CheckVideo, based in Falls Church, VA. "They may not be aware of CheckVideo's advanced real-time capabilities, their sales reps don't completely understand its value or they simply don't know how to sell it. This training will change that." The CheckVideo Managed Video Sales Training Program, which is offered as part of the Security Partners University Education Series, is focused on addressing all of these challenges. It is a four-hour training program separated into two segments: Products & Services and Sales & Marketing of Monitoring Services. The program cycle is projected to be semi-annual, available to Security Partners dealers in September 2014 and February 2015.

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced that iZipline™ will integrate HID Trusted Tag Services™ into its cloud-based software platform that enables mobile consumer engagement via Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. Initially, trusted tags will be used for authentication of PackageTagz™, iZipline’s patent-pending technology for pouch packaging that provides instant engagement between brands and consumers’ mobile devices for product recall, track and trace, brand protection, mobile marketing and related analytics. “Selecting HID Global as a partner to provide secure connections for our NFC-enabled consumer engagement platform is consistent with our commitment to delivering the highest quality NFC solutions to global brands,” said Michelle Moulin, iZipline’s chief executive officer. “We are excited to launch this partnership as iZipline continues to innovate as a leader in developing the ‘Internet of Things’.” HID Trusted Tag Services feature trusted tags with unique security and privacy attributes which make each tap unclonable. When integrated into iZipline’s platform, this enables global brands to authenticate each product’s package, protecting both a company’s brand and consumers from counterfeit goods while also delivering chain-of-custody benefits. Trusted tags also provide iZipline with secure connections for instant delivery of relevant and timely product content to consumers via their mobile device. “Success in the IoT environment requires transparent, frictionless authentication that enables brands and consumers to connect on an immediate and personal level,” said Marc Bielmann, vice president of Identification Technologies with HID Global. “We are pleased that our HID Trusted Tag Services enable iZipline to engage and protect brands and consumers by leveraging the security and convenience that trusted tags bring to packaging and mobile interactions.”

HID Global®, a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced that its Identification Technologies division is introducing two miniaturised high frequency transponders to its Glass Tag family of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Each tiny Glass Tag Vigo™ HF (13.56 MHz) bio-glass cylinder measures approximately 0.1 inch in diameter (2 mm to 3 mm), and just one-half inch long (12 mm to 13 mm), and provides 1,664 bit user memory capacities. Glass Tag Vigo units are the latest RFID tags to contain HID Global’s Vigo technology, which delivers HF performance in an extremely compact chip and antenna assembly. Each Vigo unit is manufactured with patented HID Global direct bonding technology, allowing the secure attachment of antennas to chips without the bulk of added modules. This process enables Vigo units to deliver uncompromised HF performance in the smallest formats available. “The potential for greater memory capacities and near-field readability is turning attention to HF solutions,” said Richard Aufreiter, director of product management for Identification Technologies with HID Global. “Vigo technology enables HID Global’s customers to take advantage of small form factor industrial Glass Tags that deliver performance and large memory capacities.” By enabling the precise connection of ultra-thin copper wire RFID antennas to micro-sized chips, the company’s direct bonding process ensures Vigo units are thinner and smaller than comparable chip-and-antenna combos, providing excellent reliability and performance. By eliminating requirements for bulky module housings or additional soldering material, direct bonding also produces finished units that are more cost effective. Glass Tag Vigo Transponder Features: ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 18000-3 compliant at 13.56 MHz available in bio-glass cylinders of 0.08 inch diameter by 0.47 inch long (approximately 2 mm by 12 mm), and 0.12 inch by 0.51 inch (3 mm by 13 mm) Deliver 1,664-bit user memory with 32 bits password protection option Include a privacy mode option: When activated, that the tag will remain silent until a login command is received

Robyn Broadway will be responsible for supporting and building upon all access control related sales in the Midwest U.S. Robyn Broadway has joined Secura Key as Midwest Regional Sales Manager. Secura Key is a leading global supplier of Access Control security products. In her new position, Broadway will be responsible for supporting and building upon, all Access Control related sales in the Midwest U.S. According to Charlie Anthony, Secura Key’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, “Robyn is a very welcome addition to our growing sales team. Robyn’s solid business background along with her complete understanding of the importance of strong customer relationships, provides an immediate value to our customer base. As Secura Key moves ahead into 2014 with new product introductions, we look forward, not only to her pivotal role in this rollout process but more importantly, to her direct contribution to the continuing success of our strategic business partners.” Broadway has worked for the past 15 years in management, sales and the servicing of accounts. Prior to joining Secura Key she worked in the transportation field as a co-owner of two successful trucking companies. Broadway, in similar positions, has worked in advertising, held sales management and customer relations roles. Broadway will be based in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Schlage card reader has been chosen for the 2013 Security Products’ Govies Government Security Award A Schlage card reader that is integrated into the electronic lock to provide a wireless solution for applications that meets government standards was chosen for the 2013 Security Products’ Govies Government Security Award in the Wireless Security category.  As a result, the Schlage FIPS 201 (Federal Information Processing Standards Publication) AD-401 wireless combination reader/lock will be on display in the Govies booth at the GovSec Conference & Expo to be held in Washington, DC, May 13-15. “The AD-401 lets government agencies leverage access control systems wirelessly to eliminate the cost of running wires, a time-consuming, grueling job that oftentimes is very disruptive, especially to an existing facility,” explains April Dalton-Noblitt, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies director, vertical markets. “Cutting such installation costs means government agencies can now extend access control to more access points. Money formerly spent on pulling wire and trenching can now be invested in securing remote areas, gates, elevators and other unique applications that heretofore have been either impossible to install or way too costly.” The AD-401 wireless lock simplifies installation and reduces the cost of electronic access control by combining the electrified locking device, door position switch, request-to-enter/exit sensors in combination with a FIPS 201/PIV-1 compliant multi-technology reader into one wireless device on an open architecture platform. A proven alternative for retrofit applications that are hard to wire, the lock is also ideal for military barracks and any government facility that must comply with the HSPD-12 directive or who wants to transition to off- or on-line access control. This capability is offered as a complete unit and as an upgrade kit for existing AD-Series locks installations. It is BAA compliant. The AD-401 wireless networked lock can communicate to an access control system using either Wiegand communication via PIM400-TD2 interface module or RS-485 communications via a PIM400-485 interface module. It utilizes 900 MHz secure encrypted data transmission.

Interest in mass notification systems appears to be growing in the security community as a response to active shootings and workplace violence 2014/2015 Boon Edam Review and Forecast: The security industry seems very healthy and continues to experience solid growth. We have observed an increased level of corporate and government expenditures, which allows for expanding security upgrades in general. Looking ahead to 2015, I see interest in mass notification systems appears to be growing in the security community as a response to active shootings, workplace violence, etc. Workplace incidents are getting more coverage in educational sessions and the media. We are investigating how our entrances can be involved in an overall solution. We expect this interest to expand and proliferate into the next decade. When it comes to physical security entrances, customers are demanding a more consistent set of solutions from their providers and they are consolidating their suppliers. They want vendors that provide multiple parts of the whole system and offer an excellent service level on all counts. Vendors that can do this will be clear winners in the long term with large customers. If a manufacturer provides only a subset of entrance solutions; for example, turnstiles, which deter unauthorized entry or traffic control, but that vendor doesn’t also offer security doors that absolutely prevent tailgating or piggybacking, they can only satisfy certain installations or silos within large organizations.   We are fortunately able to offer different security entrance products to different silos within the same end user organization. We are thus providing multiple solutions to the various parts of their business. Boon Edam has been able to fully meet those varied needs with our breadth of product range and with our expanding sales team that can better reach the various stakeholders within these customer organizations. For 2015 and beyond, we have continued to react to and expand operations and capabilities of the organization to accommodate the unprecedented growth of revenues and numbers of customers in the last three years. We’re bullish about the continued growth of physical security entrance usage within the security industry and anticipate demand for applications such as ours will continue to grow at a rate faster than the security industry as a whole. See the full coverage of 2014/2015 Review and Forecast articles here

Comprising a large tertiary and secondary hospital, along with three rural hospitals, Waikato DHB is a substantial healthcare operator which employs approximately 6,000 staff throughout the region. With security needs that include protecting staff from verbal and physical abuse, safely securing high-dependency patients in dementia wards, restricting unauthorized access to medication and medical equipment, and protecting high-risk facilities such as newborn intensive care units, Waikato DHB required security systems that could be applied to both high and low security areas and found the solution in Gallagher’s range of innovative security products. Serving a large geographical area of the North Island of New Zealand, the Waikato District Health Board (Waikato DHB) provides hospital and community-based health services to a population of nearly 400,000 people. Controlling Access Areas Within Hospital Gallagher’s system enables us to make changes quickly and push that information out to the card readers instantly"Gallagher’s access control system and Command Centre central management platform provide Waikato DHB with control over access in and out of areas within the hospital. With access profiles that change on a daily basis, as medical staff – predominantly nurses – move between different departments on different days, it’s vital that the system can be updated simply and efficiently. “Gallagher’s system enables us to make changes quickly and push that information out to the card readers instantly, ensuring that staff can approach doors with the confidence that they can enter or leave areas as necessary,” said David Wilson, Manager of Security and Parking for Waikato DHB. The safe and secure storage of medication and medical equipment, ranging from syringes and surgical tools, to large expensive machinery, is a legal requirement of all hospitals in New Zealand. Single Access Card System Gallagher’s access control solution forms a part of the security system that delivers this for Waikato DHB facilities. Utilizing a single accesscard system where permissions can be set to allow different access ensures the efficient movement of staff, reduces the risks associated with handling keys, and provides a comprehensive audit trail that identifies access movements by employee. Utilizing a single access card system where permissions can be set to allow different access ensures the efficient movement of staff Waikato DHB is proud to put people at the center of what they do, and strives to ensure staff and patient safety at all times. A number of Waikato DHB’s wards require high-level security either for the protection of the patients – as in the case of dementia facilities – or staff. Duress buttons located throughout the hospital and its high-risk areas automatically notify security staff of the exact location where a duress alarm has been activated. Lock-Down System Gallagher’s Command Centre Mobile application delivers these duress notifications directly to a guard’s mobile device – speeding up the delivery of urgent information directly to security personnel. The ability to lock-down areas of the hospital for safety reasons is paramount. “Command Centre gives us the ability to isolate areas and restrict access. This is a critical requirement for us and the reliability of that lock-down system is hugely important,” said Wilson. With so many visitors and staff coming and going from the hospital, carpark management is an important aspect of facilities administration for Waikato DHB. In choosing a solution, the DHB selected Gallagher’s Carkpark Management system - an optional license feature. Streamlined Parking Processes Through an integration with Gallagher’s Command Centre security management software, staff are able to badge their access card at one of the many staff and public carparks on site, and have their parking fee deducted from their pre-paid account. The program has in-built intelligence including the ability for staff to exit and re-enter during a set period without being rechargedThe program has in-built intelligence including the ability for staff to exit and re-enter during a set period without being recharged. This system has streamlined parking processes, particularly for part-time and shift-work staff who have irregular parking requirements. According to Wilson, “One of the real strengths of this system is the reporting. By managing the pre-paid carpark system through Command Centre and linking it to staff access cards, we are able to effortlessly extract detailed reports.” Electronic Tag Boards Waikato DHB’s facilities are continually expanding and this means a large number of contractors may be present on site within a 24 hour period. By utilizing another Gallagher license feature - electronic Tag Boards - contractors can easily sign on and off of the site. A key driver for this was health and safety, “It’s really important for us to know who is on site in case of an emergency,” said Wilson. “Making this process as simple as possible for contractors is the best way to ensure it is used.” A number of other system integrations appear across the site, including CCTV. Waikato DHB’s largest hospital facility, Waikato Hospital, has over 250 CCTV cameras connected to Gallagher’s Command Centre platform. As Waikato DHB’s requirements continue to evolve, Gallagher’s systems expand alongside them. Security Ward Standard The Security Ward Standard details the minimum security equipment required for new buildings, including access control, duress alarms, and camerasTo remain at the forefront of technology, Waikato DHB has a software maintenance agreement with Gallagher, to ensure they operate the very latest software available. “Any advancement in technology will make life easier, that’s a straightforward investment for us,” said Wilson. Through Waikato DHB’s experience with Gallagher products, the team developed a ‘Security Ward Standard’. This standard details the minimum security equipment required for new buildings, including access control, duress alarms, and cameras. The Security Ward Standard has greatly reduced the time involved by Waikato DHB staff in producing specification documents and gathering approvals. “Gallagher gives us a complete and total security package that is expandable and easy to manage,” said Wilson. “We are confident that a high-standard of security is being consistently applied across our sites for the safety of our staff, patients, and visitors.”

To reduce the overhead of full-scale manufacturing facilities, a popular practice among design companies and large-scale brand name organizations is to outsource all, or a portion, of their manufacturing operations to specialized contract manufacturers. Using this approach, organizations reduce or eliminate the expenses of specialized engineering labor, equipment maintenance, inventory carrying costs, and product testing facilities while increasing efficiencies such as speed of project delivery and volume of throughput. Based in Cornwall, Ontario, Canadian electronics contract manufacturer, SigmaPoint Technologies, Inc., provides full turnkey, end-to-end assembly services for highly-complex electronic products, and specializes in the Radio Frequency (RF) industry. Customers simply submit their project specifications and design and SigmaPoint sells the customer the components and assembles the finished products. The company relies heavily on a unique high-tech approach using SigmaTrack (a proprietary full-scale Intranet application suite). The state-of-the-art paperless system is used to drive production, quality, supply chain, engineering, sales and reporting. The suite resides on an Adobe ColdFusion MX-enabled web server that further handles all web-based communication. This company-wide network allows employees to communicate interdepartmentally, as well as with customers and suppliers. Improving Efficiency And Automating Job Cost Tracking SigmaPoint wanted to improve efficiency and automate job cost tracking to more effectively allocate resources for future projects down to the job level" While SigmaPoint provides high-quality engineering manufacturing services, the company had been unable to quantify whether their employee resources were optimally allocated. SigmaPoint employee time and attendance records had been handled manually, with employees turning in manually-recorded, paper timesheets on a bi-weekly basis. This manual system did not allow SigmaPoint to automate timesheet collection via SigmaTrack or keep accurate records on employee time spent on each manufacturing project, and on which tasks. The company needed a system to facilitate data analysis and summarization for estimating future jobs. According to Adam Lauzon, Applications Developer, SigmaPoint, “SigmaPoint wanted to improve efficiency and automate job cost tracking to more effectively allocate resources for future projects down to the job level, and more importantly, to determine more accurate project quotes.” Cost-effective Solution To Use With Existing ID Cards Working with Ron Fiedler, Sales Manager of HID Connect Partner, RF IDeas, Inc., Adam specified a simple, cost-effective solution able to piggyback on their existing employee ID card and support future high-frequency RFID technology applications growth—without requiring custom RFID interfacing software programming. To meet this need, SigmaPoint selected RF IDeas’ AIR ID Log-on solution, coupled with HID iCLASS Contactless Smart Adhesive Tags.  For improved efficiency and automation, SigmaPoint’s applications developer designed new applications enabled by RF IDeas’ AIR ID Log-on solution with iCLASS tags. They include: A new SigmaTrack Time and Attendance module to automate accurate recording; and Accu-Quote, the new SigmaTrack module responsible for seamless capture of work order labor. SigmaPoint has a contactless smart card with industry-standard encryption technology, reducing the risk of compromised data and duplicate tags To use the new system, the SigmaPoint administrator applies a coin-sized, disk-shaped, self-adhesive HID iCLASS transponder to each employee’s plastic photo ID, laminating it within the card. Instantly, SigmaPoint has a contactless smart card with industry-standard encryption technology, reducing the risk of compromised data and duplicate tags. Enhanced Security With 125 kHz Proximity Technology Additionally, the durable iCLASS tag’s passive, no-battery design allows for an estimated minimum of 100,000 reads. Because they are strong, flexible and resistant to cracking and breaking, SigmaPoint’s investment in iCLASS Adhesive Tags is a solid one. Securely separated application areas in the iCLASS Tags are each protected by 64-bit diversified read/write keys adding enhanced security that would not have been possible with standard 125 kHz proximity technology.  Next, using RF IDeas’ AIR ID Writer and AIR ID Card Manager software, the administrator enters each user’s unique SigmaTrack UserID into a secure application area of the iCLASS Tag, automatically encrypting the employee ID data. Using this new system, it is no longer necessary for employees to remember, or even be aware of, their own ID numbers, providing a more secure defense for corporate assets and information. The plug-and-play AIR ID Playback readers simply connect to the employee entrance terminals via USB ‘keyboard wedges’. Automatically Tracking Over-time, Holidays The system also provides SigmaPoint with the capability to automatically track overtime, double-time, holidays and vacation time For capturing work order labor, the Accu-Quote module of SigmaTrack makes the time spent on each element of each project trackable, from the minute the employee logs into the work center on the production floor. The system also provides SigmaPoint with the capability to automatically track overtime, double-time, holidays and vacation time. All this valuable data is stored in a central database that can be used for sophisticated management reporting. Plus, the timesheet data can be exported to SigmaPoint’s human resources software package. Together, the two systems enable SigmaPoint to determine the most efficient manner to allocate its resources, and correct potential slowdown areas critical to a project’s success. Monitoring Employees’ Productivity SigmaPoint is now able to automate tracking employee time and attendance records and monitor productivity/time allocation to individual manufacturing projects, streamlining operations. In addition, SigmaPoint upgraded to the benefits of 13.56 MHz iCLASS contactless smart credentials without having to re-badge all its employees, and may consider scalable future applications. SigmaPoint did not have to migrate a database to the new system because it was backwards compatible with the legacy employee ID database. Based on the success of the initial deployment, SigmaPoint soon plans to roll out similar solutions in two of their other facilities, a warehouse and RF testing center.

While 15 million passengers travel through Auckland Airport every year already, this number is anticipated to grow rapidly in the upcoming years. The Ground Transportations Plan was redesigned to ensure that service levels required meet the demands of the many passengers. To offer extremely reliable, fast and secure access to all ground transport vehicles, Nedap’s TRANSIT and MOOV were installed. Auckland Airport is the major connection between the world and 'the land of the long white cloud'. Over 70% of visitors enter or leave New Zealand via Auckland Airport, which handles over 19 million passengers a year. More than 20 international airlines serve Auckland Airport, Australasia’s third busiest international airport, after Sydney. As New Zealand's major transport hub, Auckland Airport is continually developing the capacity and services to ensure it will sustainably cope with an anticipated 40 million passengers a year by 2044, reflecting New Zealand’s growing popularity as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The Ground Transportations Plan was redesigned to ensure that service levels required meet passenger demands Nedap TRANSIT Readers In response to this expected growth, the Ground Transportations Plan was redesigned to ensure that service levels required meet passenger demands. All ground transport vehicles (such as taxis, tour buses, emergency services and other commercial vehicles) are automatically registered by the TRANSIT as they pass through the restricted areas, only accessible for authorised vehicles using Nedap’s compact tags. Each transport vehicle is identified up to 10 meters by Nedap’s TRANSIT readers. As soon as the vehicle approaches this high-end vehicle identification reader, the vehicle is automatically identified, ensuring a fast and secure traffic flow without any congestion. A wide variety of vehicles of different heights are accurately identified in each lane, which is key for any transaction-based charging solution. MOOV VMC System The TRANSIT readers are connected to Nedap’s MOOV VMC system. The MOOV VMC offers an independent control system that registers and records each transaction. The MOOV VMC application controls the entire vehicle access to the restricted Ground Transport areas. The MOOV VMC Lite is connected to the existing barriers on site The MOOV VMC Lite is connected to the existing barriers on site. Nedap’s TRANSIT readers and controllers are installed at the entrance and exit to the taxi, and bus holding area. In addition, each vehicle entering and existing the domestic and international terminals are registered using the Nedap TRANSIT and MOOV VMC system. Each controller is connected to a central web application. A service portal is available to monitor the status of each controller for each location, enabling easy remote management and control. Global Airport Applications Martyn Brewer, Commercial Manager Ground Transportation at Auckland Airport, says: “The Nedap Transit system provides a reliable solution for access by a large fleet of commercial vehicles. Auckland Airport is embracing new innovative technology and the Nedap solution is a direct example of leading solutions.” Nedap’s TRANSIT has proven itself world-wide in airport applications, where security and fast identification are the key to ensuring traffic flow in the airport. Extremely reliable identification is the basis for transaction-based payment processing. The TRANSIT readers and MOOV vehicle management controllers record over 30.000 transactions per month. GroundTransport is the leading traffic management solution that allows operators to manage traffic flow for taxis, limousines and buses GroundTransport System Each transaction with exact date and time is transferred to Advam’s GroundTransport system for payment processing of each transaction. GroundTransport is the leading traffic management solution that allows operators to manage traffic flow for taxis, limousines and buses. It facilitates the entry, exit and tolling of ground transport vehicles, whilst easing congestion and improving the overall passenger experience. The account-based solution allows drivers to register online and self-manage their funds. Once registered, drivers can seamlessly enter, exit and pay for access to nominated ground transport areas. The GroundTransport system receives the data on each transaction from the Nedap’s vehicle management controllers and Nedap’s TRANSIT system enabling the airport to easily manage the traffic flow and provide an automated solution for ground transport vehicles.  Secured Vehicle Access Next to the Ground Transport application, Nedap’s TRANSIT readers are also installed at the airport to facilitate automatic long range secured vehicle access to restricted areas of the airport. The TRANSIT readers are integrated into the existing access control system provided by CEM. Authorised vehicles use a Window Button to get access to the restricted zone. The system has been supplied by ISCS New Zealand, Nedap’s distribution partner in New Zealand.

HID proposed using UHF tagging solutions that would prove as tough as the kegs themselves A wholly owned subsidiary of the world’s fourth largest brewer, Carlsberg UK brews over 1 billion pints of beer annually. Driven by “Thirst for Great” – a shared passion to continuously raise the bar and do better – Carlsberg believes that, in addition to quality products, a winning route to market is about understanding profit drivers by channel and geography, and integrating this insight into business planning. This is why Carlsberg is the only national brewer in the UK with its own distribution network, transporting kegged and bottled beverages from two main breweries in Northampton and Leeds to 16 distribution sites serving 15,000 pub, restaurant and retail customers across England, Scotland and Wales. Kegspertise Tracking And Reporting Solutions Kegspertise Keg & Cask Optimization assists Carlsberg UK in paving their winning route to market. Kegspertise tracking and reporting solutions aim to optimize beverage container and fleet management for the brewing industry, enhancing the bottom line for brewers and those in the brewing supply chain. HID Global is a worldwide leader in UHF RFID technology, which is emerging as the most efficient and effective solution for tagging and tracking kegs and casks. By tapping HID products, solutions and expertise, Kegspertise is helping redefine the potential of container management for Carlsberg. Kegs and casks have been essential to the brewing industry for as long as long as ale has been produced. Carlsberg UK owns and maintains a fleet of hundreds of thousands of kegs, used for storing and distributing over 100 brands of lager, ale and cider. With new kegs costing $100 to $125 each (£60 to £75), this represents a significant investment. The average keg is built to deliver 20 to 40 years of service, notwithstanding harsh treatment – from filling, to distribution, to stacking in inventory, to dispensing at the local pub, collection and return to the brewery, through rigorous cleansing and sterilisation, then back to the fill line to start again. Rough handling and temperature extremes during each fill-to-fill cycle can result in keg damage, and damaged kegs deliver inferior product. In addition, keg populations are subject to theft – and stolen kegs can deliver no product at all. Managing Fleet Population Neil Harrison, head of primary logistics at Carlsberg UK, is responsible for getting finished product to market, which includes ensuring a steady stream of returnable containers are available to meet production, while ample product is in the field to fulfill demand. “Management of the container population has a profound impact on all brewery activities and requires input from the key areas of finance, quality, planning as well as packaging”, he says. “However, critical decisions must be made on a daily basis by making assumptions derived from limited samples, and extrapolated over the larger population.” Despite increasing investment in container fleets, most breweries still manage their fleet population using traditional manual processes Despite increasing investment in container fleets, most breweries still manage their fleet population using traditional manual processes. Individuals are dispatched into warehouses and yards with pencils and paper to manually audit keg fleets and assess conditions. This hand-count method enables the sampling of a mere 0.5 percent of the container population, and is prone to errors in recording and transcription. Barcode And Scanner Systems More recently, Carlsberg UK and Kegspertise tested the use of barcodes to identify each keg, readable in line-of-sight with handheld scanners. Faster and more accurate than manual counts, barcoding enabled them to increase sampling to approximately 5 percent of their keg population. However, even with larger sample sizes, there were often significant discrepancies between reported inventories and what was actually in the field. What’s more, the barcode system still proved labor-intensive, requiring the dispatch of numerous personnel armed with visual scanners into warehouse yards, exposed widely fluctuating year-round weather conditions. Further, barcode labels were rendered unreadable after just a few passes through the cleaning, sterilisation and other rigors of the fill-to-fill cycle. “We don’t treat kegs with much respect in the UK,” said Andy Dorr, managing director and founder of Kegspertise, and Chairman of Keg & Cask committee of the Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers Association the UK. “Each keg is filled and emptied hundreds of times, while in between it is bounced from brewery, to trolley, to truck, to warehouse; stacked and restacked; exposed to every imaginable weather condition, not to mention a cleaning and sterilisation process that approaches 200° F (90 C°). Still, each keg is expected to last 20 to 40 years.” HID Global Keg Tag Carlsberg UK’s introduction of Somersby Cold Filtered Cider coincided with Kegspertise’s recommendation to consider UHF tags and readers, and provided the perfect opportunity to test system capabilities. In addition to durability, UHF transponders were required that can deliver reliable readability when surrounded by metal industrial fixtures and equipment, not to mention the metal kegs themselves. Each truck passes through reader portals, allowing simultaneous identification of up to 672 kegs Kegspertise recruited the industrial logistics expertise of HID Global. HID proposed UHF tagging solutions that would prove as tough as the kegs themselves, and that promised to significantly improve data collection speed and accuracy for Carlsberg UK. “We tried and tested many tags from many companies,” remarked Dorr. “The appropriately-named HID Global Keg Tag proved stout where other tags fizzled out.” HID Global Keg Tag transponders demonstrated near 100 percent readability, no matter what was thrown at them. A unique HID Keg Tag transponder was securely welded onto each of the 45,000 new kegs in the Somersby fleet. HID UHF Technology For Comprehensive Reporting UHF technology from HID mixed with Kegspertise data management capabilities serves Carlsberg UK with comprehensive, real time reporting. “We have the status and location of virtually every keg in the Somersby Cider fleet at our fingertips,” said Harrison. “Data reporting depth, quality and immediacy are yielding unprecedented insight into potential areas for cost-savings and operational improvements.” Marie Glotz, Vice President of Sales for HID Global Industry & Logistics, advised, “To track containers within the walls of the production facility, a number of high frequency or low frequency RFID alternatives from our portfolio could have proven effective. However, considering the vast majority of the keg population is away from the brewery – in transport, in storage, and on customer sites – UHF is the only solution that could reliably and accurately track the entire fleet and their contents.” Even with up to 80 percent of the Somersby fleet away from the brewery at any given time, Carlsberg UK tracks each cider keg through the supply chain at every stage of the fill-to-fill cycle. The production team can ensure available containers meet fill requirements, and inventories can supply demand. Finance can better manage fleet ROI, using precise population totals and loss counts to substantiate keg maintenance and replacement investment. Marketing can more effectively monitor product flow and identify trends. The UHF-based system streamlines compliance with customs and excise rules that require separate populations of kegs for cider and for beer. More accurate measurement of residual cider in returned containers optimizes tax reclaims, amounting to millions of dollars in annual recoupment. "We have realized huge savings in fleet management costs. Plus, the data reporting from fill-to-fill is real time and exceptional" Anti-Collision And Simultaneous Identification Carlsberg UK deployed these enhanced capabilities with negligible disruption to established keg handling and distribution processes. Brewery employees execute their duties as they did prior to system deployment, while strategically placed UHF readers track and report on every container. For example, trucks loaded with Somersby Cider kegs roll through security checkpoints when leaving the brewing facility and when arriving at key points of distribution. However, today each truck passes through reader portals where anti-collision technology in HID Keg Tag transponders allows simultaneous identification of up to 672 kegs on a single truckload. To the dockworkers, truck drivers and checkpoint guards, it’s business as usual, while management has an accurate accounting of each keg in the fleet. “The biggest hurdle to adopting the UHF tracking system was upfront costs, which can be significantly higher than traditional methods,” admitted Harrison. “But we have realized huge savings in fleet management costs. Plus, the data reporting from fill-to-fill is real time and exceptional.” With the quality of the results to our cider operation, it didn’t take us long to begin tagging each new keg as they come in. We’ve already tagged an additional 35,000 beer kegs, and are investigating extending the program across other container types.”

ACTpro 4000 two-door controllers can extend to 16 doors via ACTpro door stations CBES have installed IP access control systems from ACT at Asda stores and distribution centers across the UK. The roll-out has already covered 500 sites all of which are networked to Asda’s corporate headquarters in Leeds.ACTpro 4000 Door ControllersAsda are benefiting from ACTpro 4000 two-door controllers which can extend to 16 doors via ACTpro door stations. In turn, up to 250 of the controllers can be networked via a PC interface. The ACT hardware offers low bandwidth and auto-discovery for easy installation and maintenance, alongside features such as timed anti-passback and counting areas.The Asda sites are using ACT’s software platform, ACTpro Enterprise, which distinguishes between different user types such as installer, security guard or system administrator so as to factor out accidental system changes and minimize maintenance. ACTpro Enterprise gives users a familiar web-browser experience using hyperlinks, ‘backwards’ and ‘forwards’ buttons and powerful search functionality.MIFARE Contactless Smart CardTypically, an Asda staff member might present their MIFARE contactless smart card to a reader in order to access a secure area of the site. The ACT software then grants or denies access according to the user’s privileges which can be defined according to seniority, job profile, time of day and day of the week. "The ACT software has allowed uniformity by being able to function with Asda’s existing smart cards" Asda managers are benefiting from integration of access control with CCTV and intercoms through use of the Sky-Walker Integration Platform from Belgian developer Entelec which manages disparate data types to provide a true PSIM system. At a large site such as a distribution center, a staff member seeking an access privilege outside their user profile in terms of location or time of day might identify themselves through intercom and receive instructions. Similarly, the Entelec software can trigger CCTV recording in an unusual situation.IP-Enabled Building Management SystemRob Cox of CBES, said: “The main benefits for Asda are central monitoring from headquarters and integration of access control with CCTV and any other IP-enabled building management system in use at the stores. Crucially, the ACT software has allowed uniformity by being able to function with Asda’s existing smart cards. This has produced both financial and time savings in terms of the intrinsic value of the cards themselves and the avoidance of any re-keying of data.”CBES operate in construction, security, mechanical & electrical and risk management. The company has also installed ACT access control systems at the £225m Tunbridge Wells Hospital in Kent. The CBES security systems division uses disciplines such as access control, CCTV, perimeter protection, intruder detection and security tagging. As well as retail and healthcare, the division is active in education and the automotive industry. CBES has won many RoSPA awards, is NACOSS Gold certificated and holds relevant BSI/ISO certification in all its operational areas.

The system enables secure proof-of-presence with frictionless authentication using HID Trusted Tag Services HID Global®, worldwide leader in secure identity solutions, recently announced it has been selected by CityPoint to streamline security and management systems for its 35-story office building used by thousands of people on a daily basis in London, UK. Securing CityPoint Staff In partnership with MyTAG.io, HID Global’s cloud-based services and Near-Field Communication (NFC) tags were deployed to automate CityPoint’s paper-based system for tracking 220 physical keys; improve their security guard patrol of 295 checkpoints; and create a better solution for auditing billable contractor hours. CityPoint’s overall goal of the new system was to maintain the highest security standards to protect CityPoint staff, tenants, guests and assets, while ensuring seamless day-to-day operation of the building. Integrating Key Management, Security Patrol & Contractor Services The new cloud-based system combines MyTAG.io’s security management software with HID Trusted Tag® Services, and enables CityPoint to deploy the solution using their existing IT infrastructure along with standard NFC-enabled smartphones, tablets and NFC USB readers. The system integrates key management, security patrol and contractor services into a single interface to deliver more accurate and actionable information in real time. ”HID Trusted Tag Services enables secure proof-of-presence with frictionless cloud authentication, which is the ideal match for commercial and private real estate properties,” said Mike George, Managing Director of MyTAG.io. “With full integration into MyTAG.io, the opportunities are limitless to deploy proof-of-presence and other trusted NFC capabilities throughout CityPoint as their business needs continue to evolve.” "Technology and tenant needshave changed dramatically sincethis building first opened 50 yearsago, and CityPoint thrives todayby adapting quickly to change, whilestriving to operate our facilities atthe forefront of technology" HID Global’s NFC-enabled Epoxy Tag Keyfob transponders, Inlays and Labels, Poly Tag transponders and familiar ISO Card badges were deployed to identify assets, checkpoints and people throughout the facility. A simple tap was the only training needed to ensure effective system deployment, while HID Trusted Tag Services – in contrast to traditional NFC tags – also ensures each tap with an NFC smart device is secure, unique and impossible to clone. Most Flexible Line Of NFC Tags “The CityPoint solution required placement of unique identifiers at hundreds of points within the building and the surrounding grounds outside, in addition to equipping the staff and contractors,” said Mark Robinton, Director of Business Development, Identification Technologies with HID Global. “As part of our NFC continuum, HID Global offers the industry’s broadest, most flexible line of NFC tags, coupled with our innovative HID Trusted Tag Services.  This made it possible to fulfill the diverse environmental and security requirements at CityPoint.”    With the new solution, CityPoint has significantly reduced the amount of time and resources spent managing and replacing lost or stolen keys. Today, CityPoint can account for each key in real time, and they have access to historical issuance and return activities to better understand which keys are in demand. Patrolling security guards now tap each tour checkpoint with their NFC-enabled smartphone, providing more timely and detailed reporting. As a result,CityPoint has reported an increase in efficiency based on digital tracking, which has reduced the time it takes for each individual security patrol.  CityPoint has also noted improvement in the management of their contract employee partners, where more precise, auditable time and attendance ensures CityPoint is paying only for services rendered, and contractors are ensured fair compensation for work completed.   “Technology and tenant needs have changed dramatically since this building first opened 50 years ago, and CityPoint thrives today by adapting quickly to change, while striving to operate our facilities at the forefront of technology,” said Lee Murray, CityPoint Building Manager.  “MyTAG.io showed us how their solutions, integrated with NFC technology from HID Global, could enhance the accuracy and efficiency across our key management, security guard patrol and contract management functions -- all using a common platform.”